Koei Tecmo's Yosuke Hayashi delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Tomonobu Itagaki at his memorial service, honoring the late creator of the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden franchises. Attended by industry leaders including Tekken's Katsuhiro Harada, the memorial celebrated Itagaki's contributions to video game development and his influential role in shaping Team Ninja. Hayashi reminisced about his time working under Itagaki during the turbulent development of Ninja Gaiden, highlighting the strong work ethic and dedication Itagaki embodied. Despite past controversies, including a highly publicized lawsuit, Itagaki left a lasting legacy that continues to resonate within the gaming community.

What is Tomonobu Itagaki known for in the video game industry?

Tomonobu Itagaki is renowned as the creator of the Dead or Alive series and the Ninja Gaiden games. He significantly impacted the fighting and hack-and-slash genres, particularly through his work at Team Ninja, which he founded in the late 1990s.

Itagaki's influence is particularly notable in the evolution of fighting games and action titles, with his work on the Dead or Alive series introducing innovative mechanics and visual presentation in gameplay. Despite facing legal challenges and controversies, his contributions to gaming remain celebrated, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.